Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to improve access to education, the Odisha government has rolled out free bus travel facility for school students under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva (MBS) scheme.
An official notification in this regard has been issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, replacing the existing 50 per cent concession in ticket fares for students.
As per the notification, the Commerce & Transport Department has approved a proposal by the School & Mass Education Department, which was initially put forward during a high-level meeting held on August 21 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The Commerce & Transport department had been asked to take necessary steps for implementation of the initiative and to make suitable budgetary provision to compensate for the expected revenue loss due to implementation of this scheme
The move aims to improve access to schools and reduce student dropouts caused by long travel distances. Under the new arrangement, school students will be allowed to travel free of cost in both AC and non-AC buses operated under Mukhyamantri Bus Seva.
Officials said a zero-value ticket will be generated through the Electronic Ticket Issue Machine for eligible students. Students will have to present a valid student identity card or be in school uniform while boarding the bus.
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been directed to make necessary changes in its ticketing software to implement the new system.
The notification also states that existing bus routes and timings will be reviewed. The aim is to cover the maximum number of schools under the MBS.
The initiative is expected to ease the daily commute for students across Odisha and encourage regular school attendance.
